Publisher's Synopsis
Aaron Copland's personal account of his rise to musical pre-eminence begins in 1943, at a time when America was deeply involved in the war. By then Copland (1900-1991), anxious to do his part but too old for active service, was yearning for both the end of the war and new experiences. One such opportunity was a commission for a ballet by Martha Graham, destined to become the composer's most popular work, Appalachian Spring. Little did Copland know that this success and recognition. Such major works as his Third Symphony were to follow as well as a great deal of international travel, and the McCarthy witch hunts which Copland spiritedly resisted. Hailed as one of the greatest American composers, Copland went on to follow an equally successful career as a conductor and teacher.
